6 pregnancy myths busted

Whether you’re an expectant mother or preparing to get pregnant in the future, we bet you’ve heard lots of myths, from superstitions to just plain humor. How to weed out fact from fiction? We’ve already done it for you!

1. No to sweets.
   There's a big exception to this rule: chocolate. Studies show that pregnant women who eat chocolate every day give birth to babies who show less fear, smile, and laugh more often when they reach six months old.
   
   
2. Stay away from seafood.
   Fiction! Children whose mothers ate at least 12 ounces of seafood a week during pregnancy have higher verbal IQ, better social and communication skills, and superior motor skills.
   
   
3. Pregnancy is strictly nine months.
   Fiction! Every woman's pregnancy is different as science writers Tara Haelle and Emily Willingham made abundantly clear in their book, "The Informed Parent: A Science-Based Resource for Your Child's First Four Years." Most women actually miss the nine-month mark.
   
   
4. All women feel happy during pregnancy.
   Fiction! Research shows that pregnant women are just as likely as other women to suffer from mood disorders: Psychiatrists estimate that about 20 percent of pregnant women experience anxiety or depression.
   
   
5. Classical music can make your baby smarter.
   Fiction! Recent studies from Federal Ministry of Education and Research in Germany found out that there is no compelling evidence that children who listen to classical music are going to have any improvement in cognitive abilities.

One pregnancy fact, that’s proven and tried/tested and one you should really keep in mind is the importance of preparing for your child’s future.

Having children is no joke, especially with the costs involved. So, the sooner you plan your finances, the sooner you can start securing your child’s future. FWD Babyproof, for instance, provides both insurance protection and investment. You can schedule a financial planning session with our advisors so you can learn how you can prep for your child’s future as early as now.